Set Is Star Of Nostalgic Show

FREE TIME

State Theater Play With 1942 Setting Includes A 16-foot-wide Radio

EUSTIS -- Director Jeff Lindberg says that when The 1940s Radio Hour opens at 8 p.m. today at the State Theater, the set should receive star billing.

As imagined by Lindberg and set designer David Clevinger, the set includes an Art Deco-style radio 16 feet wide. The set was built by Clevinger and painted by Eustis artist Jeff Riggan.

The radio's speaker becomes the bay window of a radio station. The glass dial is a window into the control booth.

In the opening scene, Bay Street Players take the parts of performers in the Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade -- and of a few memorable radio-station employees -- as they gather for their weekly one-hour show on Dec. 21, 1942.

The play which features big-band music hits, such as "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "Blue Moon" and "I'll Be Seeing You," also includes jingles from radio commercials and sound effects from radio drama.

Riggan, who is more used to working on three-dimensional pieces at Central Florida theme parks, said he took his cues from Clevinger, also a frequent contributor to the attractions.

"He watched the sight lines and knew where the actors would be," Riggan said. "That's where David really come through for me."

Lindberg, who is new to the Bay Street Players, also worked with Clevinger for the first time.

"I have been mentored and inspired by David," he said. "Everyone has come together to create as quality an experience as you would find anywhere, on any stage."

The play will continue until Dec. 19 at the State Theater, 109 N. Bay St. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. and are $15. Sunday performances, also $15, begin at 2:30 p.m. Thursday performances, which also begin at 8 p.m., are $12. Tickets sold in advance are $12 and $10 for Thursdays. Tickets for students and actors are $5.

For more information, call 352-357-7777 or visit www.baystreetplayers.org.